NHL players vote in step toward dissolving union

TORONTO (AP) — NHL players are a step closer to dissolving their union.

The Canadian Press says NHL Players' Association members voted this week to give the union's executive board the power to file a "disclaimer of interest" until Jan. 2.

The news agency, citing an unidentified source, says the vote drew more than the two-thirds of support needed. The union declined comment, saying it's an internal matter.

If the executive board files the disclaimer, the union will dissolve and become a trade association. That would allow players to file antitrust lawsuits against the NHL.

Negotiations between the league and union have been at a standstill since talks ended Dec. 6. The NHLPA now appears set to follow the lead set by NFL and NBA players. Both dissolved their unions during lockouts last year.